National saviour or over-rated plodder? Genuine all-rounder or specialist batsman? A team man all the time or a team man "sometimes", as he was described by Cricket Australia's Pat Howard earlier this year.

Watson throws up plenty of questions that remain to be answered, but it will be Watson who'll be looking to answer his critics in the coming Ashes series.

After standing down from the vice-captaincy following his involvement in the infamous homework scandal in India, Watson is primed for a fresh shot at making his mark on world cricket.

He is as close to full fitness as he's been for some time, meaning he has resumed bowling duties and is likely to play as an all-rounder against England.

However, having batted in every position from No.1 to No.7, there's still plenty of uncertainty over just what kind of role Watson will play.

At 32, it's now or never for Watson. Will he fulfil the potential selectors saw in him when he made his Test debut eight years ago?